About

Since our journey began, Earthwatch has supported world-class research based on our citizen science model. We build bridges between science and people and provide transformational educational opportunities to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

Starting from our roots as Educational Expeditions International, when four scientists from the Smithsonian Institution led volunteers to study volcanoes worldwide, here are just a few highlights to show how Earthwatch has grown over the years to becoming the far-reaching organization we are today, changing thousands of lives and making a difference to the planet.

EARTHWATCH TIMELINE

2013:
Earthwatch unveils a real-time Webinar for our RGS lecture series events in Oxford , United Kingdom, bringing inspirational talks by scientists onto a world stage and reaching more people than ever.

2013:
Earthwatch project Tracking the Chimps through the Trees of Uganda is named one of the “100 best holidays on the planet ” by the U.K.’s Sunday Times.

2012:
The Earthwatch Teen Expedition Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge is chosen as one of National Geographic Traveler's “50 Tours of a Lifetime” thanks to our commitment to authenticity, immersion, sustainability, and connection.

2011:
We launch Earthwatch Ignite, our innovative LA Student Fellowship Program, which offers students from high schools in greater Los Angeles the experience of a lifetime.

2011:
Earthwatch celebrates its 40th anniversary, having invested in more than 1,350 conservation research projects in more than 120 countries. We have engaged more than 100,000 people who have contributed more than 10,000,000 hours of data collection globally.

2011:
Earthwatch wins a prestigious International Green Award for our work on employee engagement with global financial services provider HSBC.

2011:
Our partnership with the Open University enables anyone joining an Earthwatch project to enhance his or her education on environmental issues. Students and volunteers can take distance learning courses linked to Earthwatch research.

2011:
Earthwatch initiates support of research into key species and capacity development among educators and reserve rangers in Oman at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

2000's

2009:
The Polar Bear sails to a triumphant finish in the U.K. Fastnet Yacht Race, helping raise £4,800 for our Oceans Appeal to support and develop vital scientific research.

2009:
Earthwatch Australia’s work is recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Australian Environmentalist of the Year, for outstanding achievement at a national and international level.

2007:
Earthwatch begins the largest-ever employee engagement program focused on sustainability. The innovative five-year program between Earthwatch, the Climate Group, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, and HSBC inspires action by individuals, businesses, and governments on climate change. The results help forest managers, conservationists, and communities to understand how forests are responding to climate change and how they can better manage them.

2006:
More than 1,000 people have received training through the Earthwatch Emerging Scientist program for environmental leaders in developing countries.

2004:
Earthwatch wins a prestigious British Archaeological Award, recognized as "best sponsor of archaeology" for our support of the Fort Arbeia and the Roman Empire in Britain project in South Shields.

2004:
Three high-school students are selected to join an Earthwatch odyssey around the globe, spending a year on Earthwatch research projects.

1990's

1996:
Earthwatch hosts the first live educational webcast, connecting the mountains of Mexico to the Harvard Science Center and a Wayland, Massachusetts, classroom.

1994:
The first Earthwatch website is unveiled.

1994:
Earthwatch Europe launches a major initiative to assign young African leaders to its expeditions. We continue our strong support of emerging scientists and environmental leaders worldwide today.

1994:
Earthwatch Europe recruits 27 corporations to join its new Corporate Environmental Responsibility Group. Today, Earthwatch continues to work with businesses around the globe to improve both environmental and business sustainability.

1992:
To date, Earthwatch volunteers have contributed around 4,403,700 hours of service to field scientists since 1971.

1996:
Earthwatch Japan is founded in Tokyo.

Through the 1990s, Earthwatch research priorities are reframed increasingly as applied research rather than basic science, reflecting the contributions Earthwatch has made to conservation science.

1973:
The name Earthwatch is used for the first time for the organization.

1971:
Educational Expeditions International is established, operating from Boston, Massachusetts in the U.S. The first expedition takes place in Ethiopia’s Amaro Mountains. The initiative becomes an international funder of scientific field research.